Quiet Ripples

 

There comes a time in many people’s lives when they feel a desire to give something back to the society in which they were born and raised—and from which they have benefited in so many ways—by helping to make it a better place. Yet many have likely experienced the moment when, after pausing to take a calm, objective look at themselves, they felt deeply discouraged by the realization that the influence of a single individual is limited. Even so, rather than waiting for someone else to bring about change, we should believe in our own potential, reflect on our strengths, identify where we can make a difference, and take action—even if it begins with changing ourselves. If we find meaning in those efforts, then continuing them while striving to improve their quality becomes truly worthwhile. In time, others who resonate with the spirit of those actions will begin to emerge one by one, and like ripples spreading across a pond from a single stone, their influence will quietly but steadily expand.

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